Solar Ready Vets

In 2016, The Solar Foundation was selected by the Department of Energy to lead Solar Ready Vets®, a national program to connect transitioning military personnel with solar training and employment opportunities. The Solar Foundation and its partners expanded Solar Ready Vets from the pilot stage to a national program.

Today, Solar Ready Vets continues to operate independently using the tools, resources, and partnerships developed under The Solar Foundation’s leadership.

The Solar Foundation’s National Solar Jobs Census 2017 found that veterans represent 9% of the overall U.S. solar workforce. Solar Ready Vets helped offer more than 500 transitioning service members opportunities in this expanding industry, while providing more than 300 solar employer partners access to highly qualified employees.

Funded by the Department of Energy SunShot Initiative, Solar Ready Vets provided quality training and hands-on experience in solar energy to interested transitioning military personnel who are within six months of separation. Solar training complements the extensive skills developed during military service and prepares transitioning service members to be strong candidates for jobs in the growing solar industry.